Arsenal are looking at the possibility of signing CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia, if Robin Van Persie indeed moves to Manchester United.
United are stepping up their chase for the prolific Dutchman, with Arsenal reportedly ready to listen to offers over £20 million ($31.3 million). It is understood Sir Alex Ferguson is quietly confident of sealing the signing of last year's player of the year, leaving Arsenal with a hole to fill in the striking department, despite the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.
While Arsene Wenger has repeatedly insisted he expects Van Persie to stay at Arsenal, the manager is also looking at the possible replacements, so he can move quickly in the transfer market if Van Persie does leave. Kevin Mirallas has claimed interest from the Gunners, while Fernando Llorente, who like Van Persie is refusing to sign a new contract, is also on the radar.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Doumbia earlier in the summer and Wenger has now looked at the possibility of reviving the deal, with CSKA reportedly ready to listen to offers. Doumbia has also previously stated his desire to play in the English Premier League.
According to the Independent, Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu flew to London to seal a deal for midfielder Alex Song. While a deal was not officially agreed, it is claimed that Barcelona are confident of completing a £15 million ($23.5 million) signing, with Song reportedly keen on moving to the Nou Camp, even though the 24-year-old stated he is happy at the Emirates.
Wenger already rubbished the reports linking Song to Barcelona on Tuesday, so it is unlikely that the Frenchman will let go of one of his best midfielders, particularly for £15 million.
Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny is confident compatriot Giroud can make a big impact for Arsenal this season. "I am happy (he has joined the club) because he played very well at Montpellier," the defender told the club's official website.
"I played with him at Tours and he was a great player then -- now he is even more confident and scores a lot of goals. I know his qualities and he will give a lot for us.
"I know he has the physical quality to play in this league. For a striker it is (about) confidence and I am sure he is working hard to start well with Arsenal.
"He is tall, like Marouane Chamakh and is also good with his back to goal. I think if we play with technical guys he will be happy, and in the box he is a good finisher."
Koscielny and Giroud come from similar backgrounds, with both players making their way from the lower divisions, before finding success and recognition.
"We have had the same career, and we had some difficulties when we were younger," Koscielny said. "Now it is better for us and we work a lot -- we have found coaches who gave us confidence.
"I first met Olivier at Tours, where we played one year together. It was the first year for the club in the second division and we finished sixth -- Olivier scored a lot of goals.
"After that I left for Lorient and he stayed one year, and he won the award for top scorer. After that he went to Montpellier and scored a lot of goals. He is a champion with Montpellier and I am very happy for him."
